Music Monday: AEO Up Next: Vance Joy

For this week’s installment of AEO Up Next, we present Aussie indie folkster, Vance Joy. He’s been super busy on tour and handling the new-found stardom that comes with a chart-topping hit. That hit is called “Riptide” and it’s just about the most simultaneously lighthearted and painful love song out right now. Check it out below and read on to get to know the man behind Vance Joy in the Q & A after the jump.

AEO: People usually want to know what any artist’s influences are. But we’re going to make you narrow that down to the one album that truly affected your path in music.

VJ: It was at the Queenscliff Music Festival when I was 10. I was with my family. My little sister and I sat near the edge of the stage as Jimmy Little played his set. We had had his album “Messenger” in the family car for a while before the show, so we knew the tunes. I have a few strong memories of that night.

AEO: Anyone who’s seen any movies about rock bands knows that the tour bus can be like an extension of a wild backstage party or a place for band antics. Tell us the craziest or funniest tour bus story to date.

VJ: Our tour bus isn’t crazy at all it is pretty calm. On the long road trips you need to just zone out and read or watch some t.v show. We have had some late night music dancing sessions which have been memorable. I get so pumped up listening to “Turn Down For What.” And also Sheryl Crow “If It Makes You Happy”, but mainly “Turn Down For What”. We were driving around Maine with turn down for what pumping and getting so fired up.